Recovery begins in tornado-hit Mississippi – but more ferocious storms are forecast

‘How anybody survived is unknown by me’ said a rescuer

Help began pouring into one of the poorest regions of the United States after a deadly tornado ripped through several towns across a 170-mile stretch of the Mississippi Delta.

At least 26 people were killed and dozens injured as massive storms hit Mississippi and Alabama. Based on early data, the tornado received a preliminary EF-4 rating, with top wind gusts between 166 mph and 200 mph (265 kph and 320 kph), according to the National Weather Service office in Jackson. Officials said the twister was on the ground for more than an hour.

President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Mississippi on Sunday, making federal funding available to hardest hit areas. “Help is on the way,” Mississippi governor Tate Reeves said.